Love in Lone Star Series by Ashley Bostock

I’ve always been Miranda Phillips, the town pariah. Growing up with neglectful parents, having sought attention from all the guys that were willing to give it to me, I wasn't the most well-behaved kid in Lone Star. Not to mention all of the juvenile delinquent acts I’ve committed in my past. But now I am Lone Star’s only reporter and I’ve come a long way from being that lost, troubled girl. Even if most of the town still judged me for it. I don’t allow anyone to get in the way of what I want... moreI’ve always been Miranda Phillips, the town pariah. Growing up with neglectful parents, having sought attention from all the guys that were willing to give it to me, I wasn't the most well-behaved kid in Lone Star. Not to mention all of the juvenile delinquent acts I’ve committed in my past. But now I am Lone Star’s only reporter and I’ve come a long way from being that lost, troubled girl. Even if most of the town still judged me for it. I don’t allow anyone to get in the way of what I want. Including Ryan John. So when I corner him in a dark hallway and get him to succumb to the sizzling attraction between us, I know I’m playing with fire. *** I’ve successfully avoided her for two months but I haven't forgotten how she tastes or what she feels like in my arms. And when I get sent a mysterious letter from some company wanting to buy my thousand shares of water rights that have been in my family for over a hundred years, I’m convinced that there is no one…err, better equipped, to help me than Lone Star's reporter, Miranda Phillips. I know how desperately she wants me and this letter gives me all the reason I need to spend one night with the girl from the wrong side of town. One night in exchange for her tight investigative skills. And believe me, she's tight, in more ways than one. Just one night. Because Miranda is trouble and being on the city council, as well as guardian to my younger brother and sister, means I can't afford trouble. Even if it comes packaged just the way I like. less

Ever since my divorce became final, I decided to start putting myself first. The problem is when I think of putting myself first, I think of my son’s biological father, Thatcher Patterson. The man that wanted nothing to do with me when he found out I was pregnant. When he left me, he took my heart with him and I’ve never gotten it back. Suddenly my son and I are forced to live with Thatcher indefinitely and it’s difficult to remember all the reasons why I don’t trust him... moreEver since my divorce became final, I decided to start putting myself first. The problem is when I think of putting myself first, I think of my son’s biological father, Thatcher Patterson. The man that wanted nothing to do with me when he found out I was pregnant. When he left me, he took my heart with him and I’ve never gotten it back. Suddenly my son and I are forced to live with Thatcher indefinitely and it’s difficult to remember all the reasons why I don’t trust him. The way he looks at me, the way he is with our son and the way he makes me feel are all the reasons I’m running toward him instead of away from him. But if I run toward him, how long will it take for him to up and run the other way from us, much like he did before? ~~ I’ve never stopped loving Abigail Murphy or wishing I could be the perfect dad to my son. So, when a stipulation in my late grandfather’s will states that I must have an heir to claim my inheritance, it’s the push I need to get them in my life. Because I need them as much as I need that money. With my business in the red, I have no other option. As the deadline creeps closer, I never counted on the guilt I would feel at trying to get a two for one deal. When the two of them move in with me, I’m reminded of all the wonderful things this woman has to offer and all the emotions she makes me feel. She makes me feel worthy. Wanted. Loved. She makes me feel like I could be the man she needs and just maybe I could be the father my son deserves – the father I’ve been so afraid to be. less

Grace Patterson is not my type. Not only is she a second-grade teacher at the local elementary school, but she's perfect, like untouchable perfect. Everything is please and thank you and Maverick - no one calls me that. And when I allow her to bring that mutt into my house, all I hear is “Did you miss me, baby? Are you hungry, baby? I’ll take care of you, baby... moreGrace Patterson is not my type. Not only is she a second-grade teacher at the local elementary school, but she's perfect, like untouchable perfect. Everything is please and thank you and Maverick - no one calls me that. And when I allow her to bring that mutt into my house, all I hear is “Did you miss me, baby? Are you hungry, baby? I’ll take care of you, baby.” What I didn’t mention is that she's my best friend's little sister and I’m about twelve years older than her, which makes her completely off-limits. So why I'm suddenly wanting what I can't have is beyond me. Maverick Carter also known as Cap is the only man who can help me when I find a stray dog on my way home from school. He isn’t the easiest to have a conversation with but since my apartment doesn’t allow pets, I need him. For now. Until I can figure out what to do with my new-found dog. In the meantime, it's best if I remember he rides a metal monstrosity of a motorcycle and wears a hideous vest with obscene patches all over it and not the way he sounds when I overhear him having sex with another woman. If only it were that easy. less